Chicago Bears: ESPN names three Bears to their all-rookie team

ESPN released their all-rookie team and three Chicago Bears were selected.

The Chicago Bears rookie class continues to show its value. ESPN named their all-rookie team and three Bears were selected.

Roquan Smith, James Daniels, and Bilal Nichols were the three Bears selected by ESPN. I think it’s safe to say that Ryan Pace had a phenomenal draft in 2018. After receiving a large amount of criticism from his 2017 draft, Pace once again proved how well he can find talent in the collegiate ranks.

Back in 2017, many thought the Bears’ general manager drafted terribly. He selected Mitch Trubisky, Eddie Jackson, and Tarik Cohen. Jackson and Cohen made the first-team All-Pro And they were both selected to the Pro Bowl. Trubisky has shown he has what it takes to be an NFL quarterback, and was even named a Pro-Bowl alternate himself.

The 2018 draft is destined to have a bright future if they continue to make progress. Smith led the defense in tackles last year and was only two short of breaking the record held by Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher.

As nice as it would have been to draft Quenton Nelson, the Bears were still able to get a young offensive lineman in James Daniels, who proved to be one of the top rookie offensive linemen in the league. He didn’t start to begin the season, but over time due to both injury and play, Daniels was inserted into the starting lineup and proved how valuable he is.

His best game had to be against the Los Angeles Rams, because of the way he played against Aaron Donald. He was able to contain Donald and limit his damage extremely well.

Bilal Nichols was a fifth-round pick out of Delaware. He was an absolutely dominant force along the line when being paired up with Eddie Goldman and Akiem Hicks. While featured mostly on running downs and used to give Akiem Hicks a breather, his role is expected to increase next year after what he showed he can do in the field in 2018.

These rookies deserved the recognition, but Anthony Miller did not receive any. It’s only his first year, but Miler proved his value this year.

Unfortunately, he was hampered much of the season with a dislocated shoulder, but demonstrated his toughness and played through it for most of the season. He still has a lot more room to grow and get better.

However, the second-round pick, who the Bears traded up to get, has a boatload of talent, so you have to expect him to have a breakout year next season when healthy. If he can get consistent playing time and continue to develop, this draft class is going to be one to remember.